1

Dea Contractor Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

AI/ML SME

Arlington, VA · On-site

$190K - $235K/yr

CPMG offers flexible, integrative solutions for Department of Defense (DoD) contractors, among ... Evaluate and assess DEA enterprise data holdings identified as possible data sources. * Develop AI ...

AI/ML SME

Arlington, VA

$190K - $235K/yr

CPMG offers flexible, integrative solutions for Department of Defense (DoD) contractors, among ... Evaluate and assess DEA enterprise data holdings identified as possible data sources. * Develop AI ...

Showing results 21-40

Dea Contractor information

See Washington salary details

$43

$83

$179

How much do dea contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for dea contractor in Washington is $83.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60.72 and $87.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a DEA contractor?

A DEA contractor is an individual or company hired by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to provide specialized services or support. These roles can include administrative work, intelligence analysis, information technology, security, or investigative support. DEA contractors are not federal employees but work on a contractual basis to help the agency fulfill its mission of enforcing controlled substances laws and regulations. Contractors must pass background checks and often require security clearances, depending on the nature of the work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a DEA contractor?

To thrive as a DEA Contractor, you typically need a background in law enforcement, criminal justice, or security, along with relevant experience and security clearance. Familiarity with investigative tools, surveillance systems, and evidence management databases is often required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and integrity are critical soft skills for success in this role. These competencies ensure effective support of DEA operations, compliance with legal standards, and protection of sensitive information.

What are some common challenges faced by DEA contractors in their daily work, and how can they effectively address them?

DEA Contractors often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing priorities, maintaining compliance with strict federal regulations, and handling sensitive information with discretion. Working closely with DEA personnel, contractors must be flexible, detail-oriented, and adept at problem-solving in high-pressure environments. Building strong communication skills and staying up-to-date on regulatory requirements can help contractors address these challenges and succeed in their roles.

What is the difference between Dea Contractor vs Dea Investigator?

AspectDea ContractorDea Investigator
CredentialsTypically requires DEA registration, background checks, and relevant certificationsRequires DEA registration, law enforcement experience, and investigative training
Work EnvironmentContract-based, often on-site at labs, clinics, or law enforcement agenciesField and office work, conducting investigations and surveillance
Employer & IndustryContracted by law enforcement or private agencies within the drug enforcement industryEmployed by DEA or other law enforcement agencies

Dea Contractors primarily perform specialized tasks under contract, often supporting investigations, while Dea Investigators are law enforcement officers actively conducting investigations. Both roles require DEA registration and relevant certifications, but their responsibilities and employment settings differ.

Infographic showing various Dea Contractor job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $173,610 per year, or $83.5 per hour.

AI/ML SME with Security Clearance

Goldbelt Inc

Arlington, VA • On-site

$190K - $235K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Overview Please note that this position is contingent upon the successful award of a contract currently under bid. A leader in cutting-edge research and technology in the cyber arena, CPMG focuses on using business drivers to guide cybersecurity activities and manage risk. CPMG offers flexible, integrative solutions for Department of Defense (DoD) contractors, among others, and specializes in cybersecurity, information and operational technology, electronic security surveillance, and support services. Summary: The AI/ML SME will be the Analytic team lead. Responsibilities Essential Job Functions: * Evaluate and assess DEA enterprise data holdings identified as possible data sources. * Develop AI/ML models/techniques to enrich DEA's data to achieve advantages towards DEA mission. * Review/analyze and propose different data scientist techniques and implementations that can be considered and implemented to advance DEA's data enrichment processes. * Once any model/technique is identified, trained, and fully tested, the team shall coordinate and facilitate the implementation and maintenance of each model/technique, adjusting and improving as the DEA enterprise data holdings expand. * Design and implement machine learning or AI models aligned to approved business use cases. * Select algorithms and training approaches consistent with data type and performance objectives. * Conduct iterative testing and tuning to achieve required accuracy and performance metrics. * Document model assumptions, data inputs, and training parameters for reproducibility. * Conduct independent validation of model results for accuracy, stability, and bias detection. * Package and deploy the validated model to the designated test or production environment. * Configure application interfaces, APIs, or automation pipelines required for model operation. * Conduct functional and security testing to confirm stable integration. * Establish model monitoring and retraining mechanisms to detect performance drift. * Develop and deliver comprehensive technical documentation detailing data sources, model design, validation results, and deployment configuration. * Prepare AI business case summaries that explain model purposes, value proposition, expected outcomes, and return-on- investment (ROI) for leadership decision making. * Create briefing materials and presentation decks suitable to upper management or executive review. Highlighting business relevance, benefits, and potential integration opportunities. * Design and implement ETL processes to extract, clean, and standardize source data for model training. * Data ingestion successful; no errors; data accuracy ≥ 95%; walkthrough completed and accepted by Gov PM. Qualifications Necessary Skills and Knowledge: * Strong problem-solving skills and ability to plan and deliver technical solutions independently. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills. * Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under tight deadlines. * Strong analytical skills and attention to detail. Minimum Qualifications: * 5+ years in-depth knowledge of at least one analytical / statistical language (for example: Python, R, and SQL). * At least 2 years of custom Machine Learning and AI model training (to include supervised and unsupervised) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) expertise focusing on unstructured data. * Educational background in Data Science, is a plus. * 3+ years' experience with SQL database / coding. * 2+ years' experience with data visualization tools. * 2+ years' experience with the ability to manipulate unstructured data. * Must have a Secret clearance. Preferred Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree in a related field. Pay and Benefits The salary range for this position is $190,000 to $235,000 annually. At Goldbelt, we value and reward our team's dedication and hard work. We provide a competitive base salary commensurate with your qualifications and experience. As an employee, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company matching, tax-deferred savings options, supplementary benefits, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.